Convertible orientation bicycle lamp

ABSTRACT

The rotatable and mountable light assembly of the present invention includes a base member, the base member pivotally connected to a clamping member, the clamping member comprising a means to removably secure the base member to a bar; a lamp holding member releasably secured to the base member, the lamp holding member comprising a lamp receiving space, the lamp receiving space being of sufficient space to receive at least one individual lamp. The lamp holding member is capable of altering its orientation with regard to the base member such that the orientation of the lamp holding member vis-à-vis the clamping member may be altered; the single lamp residing in a portion of the receiving space, the lamp comprising a tens and a means to illuminate; and a means to provide power to the lamp.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a light to be utilizedin conjunction with a bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle. The lightis mainly designed to be secured to the handlebars of a bicycle, therebyproviding light for the cyclist.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Lights secured to bicycles have long been utilized to aid thecyclist in biking at times of the day when there is not enough light tosafely ride a bicycle. Typically, the lights have been mounted on thebicycle's handlebars, or the front stem of the bicycle, or even therider. Typically these lights would be a single beam light, which ismounted to the bicycle. Examples of these types of lights are shown inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,477,865, 5,436,810, and 4,697,725.

[0003] One of the shortcomings of these prior art lights is thatoftentimes the field of vision is limited due to the small size of thebeam of light. If the cyclist is riding at night, particularly at ahigher speed, it is advantageous to have more light generated than atypical single lamp light.

[0004] Many of the prior art lights are also cumbersome to take on andoff a bicycle. This is oftentimes necessary if the user has two or morebicycles, and does not want to purchase a separate light for eachbicycle.

[0005] A need has developed over the past years for a light having moreflexibility in its use and a broader beam of light than those shown inthe prior art. The biking industry has undergone a tremendous changeover the past years with mountain bikes becoming very prominent.Mountain bikes are oftentimes used on a different type of terrain thanthe traditional road bikes. Road bikes traditionally have been used onsidewalks or paved roads. Mountain bikes, although capable of being usedon sidewalks and roads, are intended for use on off-road trails, whichtypically are not paved and oftentimes are fairly narrow and have manysharp turns and hidden obstacles. The light requirements for a road bikewhich may be traveling fairly fast on a flat surface are different thanon a road bike which might not be traveling at the same rate of speedbut that will be traveling on a trail where there are bumps, rocks andholes.

[0006] Oftentimes, a mountain bike will be used both on the road and offthe road. Thus, a single bike will be used in different applications,thereby necessitating a different light requirement for use in thetwilight and evening hours.

[0007] It is also desirable to have a bike light which can be initiallypurchased with a single light, and then if the user thereafter desiresto add a light, a single lamp can be purchased and added to thepreviously-purchased lamp system.

[0008] Another problem which exists with single bicycle lamp structuresis that if for some reason the bulb of a lamp goes out, the usertypically must navigate in the dark. Thus, there is a need for a backuplamp to provide light in the event that the first lamp burns out.

[0009] There is a need for a single bicycle lamp which can be adaptedfor both on road and on trail applications.

[0010] There is a need for a bicycle lamp which may be easily removedfrom one bike and put on another bike.

[0011] There is a need for a bicycle lamp which may be easily mountedand removed from the bicycle.

[0012] These and other advantages are described in more detail below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention is directed to a bicycle lamp which ismulti-functional. The orientation of the bicycle lamp may be rotatedsuch that in applications wherein it is necessary to have broadhorizontal light coverage, the lamp may accommodate such a requirement.In other applications, wherein a long, vertical beam of light isrequired, the lamp of the present invention may achieve thisrequirement. The bicycle lamp may be quickly mounted and quickly removedfrom the handlebars. The orientation of the bicycle lamp may also beconverted in a simple and easy fashion. Finally, it is possible toutilize either one or two lamps as desired. If one lamp is used, thelamp centered over the approximate midpoint of the handlebars, and canbe upgraded to a two lamp application.

[0014] In more detail, the mountable light assembly of the presentinvention includes a base member, the base member pivotally connected toa clamping member, the clamping member comprising a means to removablysecure the base member to a bar; a lamp holding member releasablysecured to the base member, the lamp holding member comprising a lampreceiving space, the lamp receiving space being of sufficient space toreceive at least one individual lamp. The lamp holding member is capableof altering its orientation with regard to the base member such that theorientation of the lamp holding member vis-à-vis the clamping member maybe altered; the single lamp residing in a portion of the receivingspace, the lamp comprising a lens and a means to illuminate; and a meansto provide power to the lamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle in phantom with thebicycle lamp of the present invention in one orientation.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bicycle in phantom with thebicycle lamp of the present invention in a different orientation thanthat shown in FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of the bicycle lamp of thepresent invention in its vertical orientation.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of the bicycle lamp of thepresent invention in its horizontal orientation.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a front view of the bicycle lamp of the presentinvention in its vertical orientation.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a side view of the bicycle lamp shown in FIG. 5.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7 in FIG. 5.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle lamp of thepresent invention taken along lines 8 in FIG. 5.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle lamp of thepresent invention taken along lines 9 in Fix. 5

[0024]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle lamp of thepresent invention taken along lines 10 in FIG. 4.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bicycle lamp of the presentinvention shown in its horizontal mode with the handlebar clamp in theopen position.

[0026]FIG. 12 is element 31 as shown in FIG. 10.

[0027]FIG. 13 is element 82 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0028]FIG. 14 is element 82 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0029]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bicycle lamp of the presentinvention wherein one of the lights is removed.

[0030]FIG. 16 is a front end view of the light shown in FIG. 15.

[0031]FIG. 17 is a side view of the light shown in FIG. 15.

[0032]FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the bicycle lamp shown in FIGS.1-11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] The light assembly of the present invention, as shown in FIGS.1-18, includes a lamp assembly adjustably attached to a clamp assembly.The clamp assembly can be releasably secured to a cylindrical body, suchas a tube. The clamp assembly is adjustable to enable the clamp assemblyto receive tubes of varying diameters and shapes. The lamp assembly isattached to an extending portion of the clamp assembly and can be easilyrotated about the point of connection with the clamp assembly. Theadjustment of the lamp assembly with respect to the clamp assembly aswell as the ability of the light to be used with only one lamp allowsthe illumination provided by the lamp assembly to be modified to satisfythe requirement of the user.

[0034]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a bike in phantom with the light assembly 10 ofthe present invention secured to the bike's handlebars. FIG. 1illustrates the light assembly 10 in the vertical position, whereinlamps 12 and 14 are vertically positioned with respect to thehandlebars. FIG. 2 illustrates the horizontal position wherein lamps 12and 14 are horizontally positioned with respect to the handlebars. Thepresent invention may be used with any bicycle wherein there is amounting bar. The light assembly does not have to be mounted on thehandlebars. The light assembly 10 may be mounted on any bar whichreceives the clamp assembly of the present invention. The bar does notneed to be cylindrical, but may also be square shaped, or an elongatedcylinder, with the only modification necessary being to the shape of theclamp assembly. Additionally, other structures such as baby strollers,baby joggers, and backpack frames, just to name a few, may utilize thelamp assembly 10 of the present invention.

[0035] The lamps 12 and 14 as generally shown in all the figurescomprise a lens 22 and 24, lens mounting ring 18 and 20, and the lamphousing 28 and 30. The lens shown as 22 and 24 is typically has sometype of pattern to enhance the light transmission and angle ofrefraction of the lamps. Any lens material may be used, with thepreferred lens material being tempered glass, commercially availablefrom most bicycle dealers. The lamp housings 28 and 30 are made of nyloncomposite, but can be made of any material with the appropriate materialcharacteristics. In reviewing the lamp's structure, FIG. 8 isparticularly illustrative, in that a cross-section of the lampassemblies is shown.

[0036] The lens mounting rings 18 and 20 may be secured on to thehousing 28 and 30 through either a snap fit, a threaded mechanism, orany other means which would secure the lens mounting rings 18 and 20 tothe lamp housings 28 and 30. In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIG.8, a threaded securing means is shown. Thus, to remove the lens 12 and14 from housings 28 and 30, lens mounting rings 18 and 20 would berotated in a counter-clockwise fashion while maintaining lamp housings28 and 30 in a fixed position.

[0037] Upon viewing FIG. 8, it is apparent that the lens housings 28 and30 utilize removable mounting rings 18 and 20 such that light bulbs 21and 19 may be accessed. These bulbs can be any type of bulb which wouldprovide the requisite amount of light. Preferably, the bulb is astandard MR-11 size bulb. These lights bulbs will need to be replacedafter they burn out. Also shown around light bulbs 19 and 21 arereflective surfaces 32 and 34. These reflective surfaces 32 and 34insure that the light is reflected outwardly to provide a wide field ofvision. In the preferred embodiment the bulbs and reflective surfacesare one piece.

[0038]FIG. 4 discloses the light assembly 10 in its horizontal position.As will be described in greater detail below, the actual lamp assemblyis partially removable from the clamp assembly and may be repositionedon the clamp assembly to change the orientation of the lamps. FIGS. 6,8, 11, and 18 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the handlebar clampassembly 40 in detail. The clamp assembly 40 includes a substantiallyL-shaped main member 42 with an adjustable clamp mechanism 44 formed atthe distal end 46 of main body member 42. Member 42 and clamp mechanism44 act in cooperation through a pivot pin 48 which is positioned througha bore at distal end 46. Pivot pin 48 extends, through clamp 44 andbores in member 42, securing clamp 44 to member 42.

[0039] Members 42 and clamp mechanism 44 are positioned such that thereis an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, asshown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the clamp assembly 40 defines a annular space 50to receive a bar. The space 50 is where a segment of the bicyclehandlebar, or other bar to which the light will be attach, fits within.Pads 52 and 54 are also shown in the interspace 50. These pads 52 and 54are preferably a rubber material which acts to resist scratching of thehandlebars and also provides a tolerance for different size bars. Inaddition, the pads 52 and 54 help prevent the clamp assembly fromslipping on the handle bar.

[0040] Referring to the exploded view in FIG. 18, the clamping assemblyis shown in great detail. The clamping mechanism utilizes body members42 and 44 interconnected with pins 62, 48 and 56 which all allow theclamping mechanism to clamp such that hook member 60 and lip 61 securesto engaging surface 65. This securing is achieved through a clampmechanism which may be adjusted for different size bars. Pin 56 receivesbale member 58 through an aperture 57 which is threaded to receive balemember 58. Bale member 58 extends through aperture 45 a and 45 b onmember 44. These apertures are approximately mid-point along member 44.The bale member 58 has threads 59 which allow the length of the balemember to be adjusted such that hook member 60 and lip 61 may be securedto engaging surface 65 on member 64. The purpose of the different lengththreads 59 is so that bars having different circumferences may beaccommodated by adjusting the length of bale member 58 vis-à-vis pin 56.Thus, the larger circumference of the bar which the lamp assembly of thepresent invention will be secured to, the further bale member 58 will befrom pin 56. If the bar is very narrow, the bale member 58 will beshortened in pin 56 accordingly. The clamping mechanism diagrammedherein is the preferred mechanism, but any mechanism which is a quickrelease mechanism and allows a plurality of lights to be added could beused.

[0041] The lip 61 of member 60 releasable engages surface 65. When theclamping mechanism is moved to an open position, the lip 61 engagessurface 65. Thereafter, when the clamping mechanism is closed, formingan “over-center” latch, the lip 61 is pulled securely against surface65. Surface 65 can be any surface or latch, or receiving mechanism,which may receive a clamp member for securing a clamp to a bar.

[0042] Portion 31 of base member 64 is secured to a lamp holding member68. The two members are secured via some type of securing means, withthe preference being a screw as shown as 66. The screw 66 is ofsufficient length such that it passes through an aperture 67 formed inportion 31 into a threaded receiving means, such as aperture 69, on lampholding member 68. These two members may be secured together through anytype of means, including clamp means, hook and loop means, or any othertype of securing means. What is critical is that lamp holding member 68be capable of being released from member 64 such that the changing ofthe orientation on number of the lamps, being vertical, horizontal, orsome other orientation, may be achieved. It is also desirable that thelamp holding member can hold one lamp as well as a plurality of lamps.

[0043] What is shown in the preferred embodiment in FIG. 18 is a set ofguide pins 70 and 72 positioned such that they are received withinapertures shown in phantom as 64 a, 64 b, 64 c and 64 d. When pins 70and 72 are positioned such that they pass into 64 b and 64 d, the lampsare in a vertical position. If the user intends to rotate the lamps 90degrees, screw 66 is at least partially removed from the aperture oflamp holding member 68, the pins 70 and 72 are pulled out of aperture 64b and 64 d, and the assembly is rotated 90 degrees in either directionsuch that pins 70 and 72 correspond to 64 a and 64 c. Thereafter, screw66 is re-tightened in the aperture in the member 68, into the threads onlamp holding member 68 and secured such that lamp holding member 68 issecured to member 64.

[0044] Additional apertures may be placed at angles other than 90degrees on member 64. For example, apertures could be placed at a 45degree angle such that the lamps would be half way between a verticaland horizontal position.

[0045] In other embodiments, the securing mechanism between members 64and 68 could comprise some type of geared interface which may be securedby threaded fasteners. What is critical is that the lamp holding member68 may be altered with respect to member 64 such that the lights orsingle light may be rotated.

[0046] The lamps themselves may be rotated with respect to the lampholding member 68. Each lamp has a cylindrical boss attached in anoff-set manner at the base opposite the lens. These are shown as 78 and80 respectively. Referring to lamp 12 and boss 78, the lamp issubstantially conical in shape and receives a cylindrical boss 78attached in an off-set manner at the base opposite the lens. The boss 78defines an axial bore extending through the boss, and serrations formedto extend longitudinally about its outer surface. The boss 78 is placedadjacent one of the flanges through which screw 76 extends. In FIG. 18,the lights are stacked in a vertical manner, such that light 12 is onthe top and light 14 is on the bottom with screw 76 extending throughboss 78 and 80 and being secured to the lamp holder 68 by nut 74. Lampholder 68 could be bigger to accommodate more lamps, or the lamps couldbe smaller. The inner surface of lamp holding member 68 is shown in FIG.14. The counter-serrations in FIG. 14 are spaced such that serrations onbosses 78 and 80 engage within the serrations on lamp holding member 68.A rotation of the individual lamps 12 and 14 about the lamp holdingmember 68 is controlled by the serrations formed on the outside of thebosses 78 and 80 which engage complementary serrations formed on theinner surface of the lamp holding member 68 independently in differentdirections as shown by the arrow in FIGS. 3 and 4. The lamps may beclose together as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or they may be spread out at90 degree angles or greater, depending on the geometry of the lamps anddepending on what is required by the user.

[0047] In some situations, the user may only want to have one light, asshown in FIGS. 15-17. In this situation, a spacer is used in place ofone of the bosses. As is evident in FIG. 16, spacer 88 replaces one ofthe bosses. This allows a single light to be used. This feature is anextremely important aspect of the present invention. It is advantageousto be able to sell the clamping mechanism with just one light, for costpurposes. The present invention provides the purchaser an opportunity tothereafter acquire a second, single light, and add it to the firstpurchased light.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to a one or two lightconfiguration, but as many lights as necessary may be stacked betweenflanges 82 and 84, obviously increasing the space between the flanges.Alternatively, the dimensions of the light may be changed, such that theflanges may be the same distance apart but that the lights are only halfas big such that four lights may fit within the space.

[0049] Each lamp has an “on” and “off” button, and in the preferredembodiment a power pack is located elsewhere on the bicycle, whichthrough an electrical connection, provides electricity to the lamps. Thepreferred battery pack is a 6-volt nicad rechargeable battery pack.Other non-limiting options include lead-acid batteries and 12-volt nicadbattery packs.

[0050] It is understood that while the invention has been describedabove in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments, thedescription and examples are intended to illustrate not limit the scopeof the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims:

What is claimed is:
 1. A mountable light assembly, said light assemblycomprising: (a) a base member, said base member pivotally connected to aclamping member, said clamping member comprising a means to removablysecure said base member to a bar; (b) a lamp holding member releasablysecured to said base member, said lamp holding member comprising a lampreceiving space, said lamp receiving space being of sufficient space toreceive a lamp, said lamp holding member being capable of altering itsorientation with regard to the base member such that the orientation ofsaid lamp holding member vis-à-vis the clamping member may be altered;(c) said lamp residing in a portion of said receiving space, said lampcomprising a lens and a means to illuminate; and (d) a means to providepower to said lamp.
 2. The light assembly of claim 1 wherein saidclamping member comprises an over-center latch.
 3. The light assembly ofclaim 1 wherein there are two lamps in said lamp receiving space.
 4. Thelight assembly of claim 1 wherein there is a spacer adjacent said lamp,said spacer filling the remaining space of the lamp receiving space. 5.The light assembly of claim 1 wherein said lamp is secured in said lampreceiving space by a boss which is secured to said lamp and secured tosaid lamp holding member.
 6. The lamp assembly of claim 5 wherein saidboss has a knurled surface, said knurled surface engaging with a knurledsurface on said lamp holding member, said knurled surfaces allowing thelamp to be rotated with respect to said lamp holding member and securedin a fixed position in said holding member.
 7. The lamp assembly ofclaim 6 wherein there are two lamps having bosses with knurled surfaces,said lamps may be rotated independently vis-à-vis said lamp holdingmember.
 8. The light assembly of claim 1 wherein there are two lamps insaid lamp holding member, wherein said lamps are arranged in ahorizontal position.
 9. The light assembly of claim 8 wherein said lampsare arranged in a vertical orientation.
 10. The light assembly of claim1 wherein said means to provide power is a rechargeable battery packsecured to a bicycle, said light assembly secured to the handlebar ofsaid bicycle.
 11. The light assembly of claim 1 wherein said lampholding member is secured to said base member by a threaded screw. 12.The light assembly of claim 1 wherein said lamp holding member and saidbase member may be rotated vis-à-vis one another, and said base memberand said lamp holding member have an engaging and receiving surface suchthat said lamp holding member's rotated position is fixed vis-à-vis saidbase member.
 13. A mountable light assembly, said light assemblycomprising: (a) a base member, said base member pivotally connected to aclamping member, said clamping member removably securing said basemember to a bar; (b) a lamp holding member releasably secured to saidbase member, said lamp holding member being selectively rotatablyattached to the base member such that the orientation of said lampholding member in relation to the clamping member may be altered; (c) asingle lamp supported on said lamp holding member, said lamp comprisinga lens and a means to illuminate; and (d) a means to provide power tosaid lamp.